Earthquake in Turkey

Earthquake

• It is the shaking of the surface of the Earth which results in a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere (rocky outer part of the Earth) that creates seismic waves.
• Earthquakes can cause severe damage, particularly in an area where homes and other buildings are poorly constructed and landslides are common.
• An earthquake’s point of initial rupture is called its hypocenter or focus. 
• The epicentre is the point at ground level directly above the hypocenter.
• It is measured in the Richter scale.

Plate Tectonic Theory/Plate Tectonic

• Plate tectonic theory had its beginnings in 1915 when Alfred Wegener proposed his theory of “continental drift. 
• According to the Plate Tectonic theory, Earth has a rigid outer layer, known as the lithosphere, which is typically about 100 km (60 miles) thick and overlies a plastic (moldable, partially molten) layer called the asthenosphere. 
• The lithosphere is broken up into:
  • seven very large continental- and ocean-sized plates,
  • six or seven medium-sized regional plates, and 
  • several small plates. 
• These plates move relative to each other.
  • They typically move at rates of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) per year, and interact along their boundaries.
  • They converge, diverge, or slip past one another. 

• Outcomes:
  • Responsible for Earthquakes:
    • Such interactions are thought to be responsible for most of Earth’s seismic and volcanic activity, although earthquakes and volcanoes can occur in plate interiors.
  • Mountain formation:
    • Plate motions cause mountains to rise where plates push together or converge. 
  • Ocean formation:
    • Continents fracture and oceans are formed where plates pull apart or diverge.

Damage to the ancient historical sites

• Gaziantep Kalesi:
  • The historic 2,200-year-old stone castle sitting atop a hill in the centre of Gaziantep. 
  • Known locally as Gaziantep Kalesi, the historic stone castle was first constructed as an observation point by the Hittite Empire during the second millennium BC.
    • For over 2,000 years, Gaziantep Castle stood strong, its structure remaining intact despite waves of invasion and conquest that saw it controlled by a series of Middle Eastern empires.
  • It is the most famous landmark of Gaziantep which was used as an observation point during Roman times – has been damaged, with its walls and watch towers disintegrated. 
• Yeni Mosque:
  • One of the most prominent sites in Maltaya, the famous Yeni Mosque which dates back to the 13th century, has collapsed due to the earthquake.